With the San Antonio Spurs busy worrying about Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili's retirement, the draft, absorbing a free agent megastar like LaMarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol and negotiating a new contract with franchise pillar Kawhi Leonard, there's a strong chance Danny Green "slips through the cracks."
That's just a slight exaggeration, as nobody understands and appreciates Green's value more than San Antonio's front office, but his market value may still rise higher than what they're willing to pay. If so, one team that could find itself luring Green in is the Miami Heat—the same organization Green brutalized in the last two NBA Finals.
Here's the Palm Beach Post's Jason Lieser with more on Green's fit with the Heat:
"There is no question Miami would love to have him given that he is one of the top long-ranger shooters in the NBA and would be a more than capable fill-in when Dwyane Wade is out. The Heat probably could figure out a way to pay him, too, even as he figures to get about double the $4 million salary he made last season. But would Green be willing to leave a starting job in San Antonio for no guarantees in Miami? Depends on what kind of pitch Pat Riley can put together."
If Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng opt into their respective player options (as it's more than likely they do), and the Heat re-sign Goran Dragic to a maximum contract, there won't be enough cap space to bring in a player of Green's caliber.
Given his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor, a first-year salary for Green's service will almost surely break the eight-figure barrier. He's an incredibly useful player, and will look to cash out in the biggest way possible this summer.
There are creative ways Pat Riley can clear enough room, but it won't be easy.
(h/t: Palm Beach Post)
Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports
